Barker's Bush Trails Master Plan

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Consultation has concluded

Thank you for your participation! Please view the Barker's Bush Trails Master Plan.


The County of Brant is creating a Trails Master Plan for Barker’s Bush. The woodlot and open space is located west of Lion’s Park in Paris within the Nith River Peninsula. While an informal and extremely well-used trail network already exists within Barker’s Bush, the land use adjacent to the site is changing rapidly and a clear strategy for the trail system is required in order to protect and enhance this resource. The County has retained WSP Canada Inc. to support the creation of the Trails

Thank you for your participation! Please view the Barker's Bush Trails Master Plan.


The County of Brant is creating a Trails Master Plan for Barker’s Bush. The woodlot and open space is located west of Lion’s Park in Paris within the Nith River Peninsula. While an informal and extremely well-used trail network already exists within Barker’s Bush, the land use adjacent to the site is changing rapidly and a clear strategy for the trail system is required in order to protect and enhance this resource. The County has retained WSP Canada Inc. to support the creation of the Trails Master Plan that will reflect usage trends, community values and available resources.

The following objectives will guide the creation of the Trails Master Plan:

  • Defining the area of Barker’s Bush, including location of boundaries, internal and external trail amenities and areas for specific usage;
  • Management of existing and future user conflicts;
  • Protecting the integrity of the natural environment; and
  • Identifying potential amenity upgrades while preserving the existing look and feel.

The Foundations and Mapping Report can be viewed online at brant.ca/FoundationsandMappingReport or downloaded below.

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A public meeting was held on December 15, 2021. Thank you to everyone who attended. If you missed the meeting, please view the recorded virtual public meeting.



Consultation has concluded
  • Barkers Bush Trail Access

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    With construction beginning at the Nith Peninsula Residential Subdivision, we would like to notify residents that signage will be posted in the near future to help trail users safely access the trails around Barkers Bush in Paris.

    The developer, Losani Homes, will be installing fencing around the construction area for public safety. The construction area’s main entrance will be off Dundas Street West, Paris. Trail access will be maintained and please follow the posted signs.

    Background on the residential development: Losani applied to build this residential subdivision in 2016. At that time, the County heard from a number of residents who were concerned about preserving Barkers Bush. The County required Losani to complete a number of studies before their application could proceed. In 2017, working through the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal process, the County of Brant was able to gain a number of achievements that respected the environment and addressed many of the concerns put forward by the community.

    The achievements included:

    • Protecting the natural environment. Losani Homes agreed to exchange lands with the County of Brant which allowed the County to gain ownership over Barkers Bush (100 acres) and 40 acres of the former Gurney Sand and Gravel Pit lands. The County is now able to protect the environmentally sensitive area known as Barkers Bush.
    • Offering new trails and connections to the existing trails in Barkers Bush.
    • Using the stormwater management pond as a buffer to Barkers Bush. Losani Homes will build a stormwater management pond which will be a naturalized area on the north end of the development. This will provide a natural buffer from new residential backyards and Barkers Bush.

    The Nith Peninsula Residential Subdivision will begin site alteration in January 2022. Building activity is also expected to begin in 2022/2023 in a responsible phased approach.

    If you have questions, please call 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268), 1.855.44BRANT.

  • Barker's Bush Draft Trails Master Plan Available

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The Barker's Bush Draft Trails Master Plan is now available.

    Please share with us your comments or concerns below.